Christmas at Luther captures holiday spirit

This year, the 27th annual Christmas at Luther program was performed Dec. 4 - 7. With the combination of over 600 Luther musicians and a sold-out audience each night, the concert was a truly special experience.

To make this year unique, Twin Cities Public Television filmed several of the concerts, which will be broadcast nationally as a PBS Holiday special. The first airing will be Dec. 22 at 9:00 p.m.

Mandie Mickelson (‘12), a member of the Aurora choir, truly enjoyed the experience.

“My first season of Christmas at Luther has been nothing less than stunning,” said Mickelson. “The joy of the Christmas season was truly alive in the CFL from the first trumpet fanfare to the closing chord.”

Everything from the gleaming background decorations to the inspirational narration was carefully crafted to appeal to the audiences as well as television viewers nationwide.

Cindy Morrissey Starr, a resident of St. Paul Minn., heard of this reputable performance, and came for the concert with her mother and daughter Molly Morrissey (‘11) to see the performance.

“I was amazed at how many students participate in the program,” said Morrissey. “Everything was so well done and the music was breathtaking; it really got me in the Christmas spirit.”

The concerts included performances by Luther’s internationally renowned choirs and instrumental ensembles consisting of Nordic Choir, directed by Dr. Craig Arnold; Collegiate Choir and Norsemen, directed by Dr. Tim Peter; Cathedral Choir and Aurora, directed by Dr. Sandra Peter and Cantorei, directed by Linda Martin. Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Daniel Baldwin; Luther Ringers, directed by Dr. Gregory Peterson, and the Christmas Brass Ensemble, directed by Dr. Fred Nyline also performed.

The combination of the breathtaking music, robed choristers and glowing candlelight captured the marvel and excitement of the holiday season.

The repertoire for the concert was exceptional this year with every melody, from Christmas carols or the sacred choral anthems. In all the music, there was a sense of unity that brought the performers and audience together in the Christmas spirit. These performances clearly defined and magnified the prowess of the Luther music program.

Laura Davis (‘11), a member of Nordic Choir, expressed the wonder and feeling of the performances.

“The performances had a very smooth and enlightening flow to them,” said Davis. “I enjoyed every heartfelt moment.”